African American Urban Environmentalism

The city of Chicago is the ideal location which to study the effects of urbanization and its effects within minority communities. Individuals that are nature deficient don't have any instinctual connection to the earth and furthermore don't associate or apply any intrinsic value to natures flora or fauna. So why is it so important that urban communities and its residents are connected to the earth? It is an astounding revelation to realize our society is filled with people that don't understand their relationship to the earth and are so use to being inside or doing things that aren't involved with nature. This blog is designed to discuss why and how African American urban communities can begin to learn the fundamental basics of environmental issues. it is important for Black environmentalist to be at the forefront of educating minorities because they intuitively understand the socio-economic foundation that some communities face. In order for our communities to move foward through this "Eco" phase of society we must be educated. However we must be patient and our expectations be realistic. It is important that our goals be both short term and long term as well as beneficial to not just the African American communitites but the larger urban area as a whole. The plan set forth must be one that involves not just local legislators, but also new and creative ways of linking "nature" and other issues. The approach must involve some aspect of economics in which African Americans are introduced to the benefits of making environmentally friendly purchases and choices; as well as healthy individual choices. It will involve the local educational systems to accept and implement enhanced scientific cirriculum that will benefit the overall development of students and finally it is dire that urban planning and design of the built environment incorporate "equal" and "comparable" living spaces for all ethnicities and classes that allows for the same type of interaction with nature for all citizens and residents in both communities.